How not to win friends and influence people

Causing a right old stir in the affiliate forums at the moment is one particular affiliate who has built several voucher code websites largely by replicating and stealing content from others. They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery but in the affiliate world this is definitely not the case, especially in the voucher code sector where discounts are often unique to the individual.

Rather than focus on those directly involved and turn this into even more of a witch-hunt I’d prefer to voice my opinion on the non-ethical nature and not the individual. Let’s face it, this person is not the first to do this and will certainly not be the last to stray towards the dark side. For those who ‘are’ interested in digging deeper (or just don’t have a clue what I’m talking about) there’s plenty more info here:

• Stealing Exclusive Codes
• Please Stop!
• Is this ethical?
• Do networks give a flying feck?

I’m firmly of the opinion that this kind of activity should not be tolerated. The overall health of the affiliate program is far more important than an individual affiliate who’s out to make a quick buck. Yes this will have an impact on the programs turnover in the short turn (depending on how early on you catch it) but the decision to take action will result in a stronger program going forward.

For me the whole process should start when first approving affiliates signing up to the program. On numerous occasions I have had to politely decline applications where the affiliate has clearly ripped another affiliates site. In these instances I’ve asked affiliates to reapply once they have built their ‘own’ website and can add value to the program.

For me, part of an affiliate manager’s role is to actively police the affiliate program (something that many seem to forget to do). When I’ve got my policeman’s hat on I’m not just looking out for those who break the terms and conditions but also looking out for existing affiliates and protecting their best interests. Identifying bad affiliates who use spyware, stuff cookies and force clicks should be part of every affiliate managers job.

As and when issues like the above raise their ugly head you can be sure that I will investigate all activity and take measures to either help the affiliate correct their mistakes or if necessary suspend them until these bad practices have been stopped.

Final thought’s? Well I don’t think I could summarise it any better than Kirsty did the other day when talking about super affiliates and replicating their activity…

“The reason all these guys earn money faster than they can spend it is because they are unique and can see money making opportunities where others don’t. If you seek to emulate them, it won’t make you as successful as them. Merely a second rate copy… and you still won’t have a clue how YOU can make money, only what other people are up to.”